—On the backside this morning, a number of Derby contenders have already gone out for training, among them favorite California Chrome and Oaks favorite Untapable. Most others are expected at 8:30 a.m., when the track is closed to all but those horses adorning the neon yellow and pink saddle towels for the weekend's feature races.

Added to training this close to race day is schooling in the paddock — especially now that trainers know which stall they'll be using — and starting from a gate lined up in the chute. California Chrome spent several minutes in an around stall five in the paddock before his gallop Thursday, showing up a bit early for the Thurby party.

—Wicked Strong posted the only timed work, blowing out three furlongs through the stretch in :36:60. His final quarter mile went in :24, marking the Wood Memorial winner's hardest run since making it to Churchill.

— If you've never been to Churchill Downs the morning of Derby, you're missing a scene. Gate security is pretty tight, but that hasn't stopped a number of well-dressed folks, hardcore racing fans and a number of kids who are obviously skipping school from watching Derby training.